Our Staff

Tyrone Newson

Chief Executive Officer

MBA (Hons), BE Civil, CPEng PMP

Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa

Mr Newson’s most recent role is as a director at Te Kuaka, which provides project management and engineering services across health,  commercial and mixed-use construction. Prior to that, he was a Development Manager at Kiwi Property.

For much of his early career, Mr Newson was based in Singapore and then in Malaysia taking on roles with international companies Beca, McConnell Dowell and Ikea Malaysia. He was the Chief Executive and then a Board member for Te Puna Topu o Hokianga Trust and has served as a chairman for the Ritimana Kohanga Reo.

In 2007, he was named Young Engineer of the Year by the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand.

Catherine Aldridge

Financial Controller

Grad Dip Accounting, BMS, Chartered Accountant (CA)

Born and raised in Whakatane, Cath joined the NAGHL team in August 2023 as Finance Manager and was appointed to the role of Financial Controller in June 2024.

Cath has extensive experience in various public and private sector accounting roles in the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.  Prior to joining the NAGHL team Cath was the Director of a local Whakatane-based Chartered Accounting practice.

Cath has held various Governance positions and currently sits on the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) Bay of Plenty Local Committee as well as being a current member on the Board of Trustees for a local High School.

Stevie Ransfield

General Manager Property

Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga, Ngāitai Torere , Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pukeko, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa, Ngai Tahu, Nga Puhi

Appointed in 2023, Stevie brings a wealth of knowledge with regard to property and governance, specifically in the iwi space, having occupied roles for Tainui Group Holdings and GBG Management Limited as Commercial Property Manager. Stevie graduated from Te Whare Wānanga O Waikato (Waikato University) with a Bachelor of Laws in 2015 and, more recently, has been admitted to the bar as a Solicitor of the High Court.

Akino Smith

Corporate Services Manager

Hapanihi

She joined NAGHL in 2023 after 20 years of managing corporate services in governance, IT, marketing, health and safety, and human resources. With extensive experience in Aotearoa, Japan, and Australia, she is aware of cultural nuances in Māori organisations. Her career spans key roles in Aotearoa, Japan, and Australia, with a deep understanding of the cultural nuances within Māori organisations.

As the Group Corporate Services Manager, Akino provides strategic leadership across the group, driving operational efficiencies and innovation.

Though not of Māori descent, her strong connection to the Māori community is enhanced by her husband’s Ngāti Awa and Tūhoe heritage. She is dedicated to achieving shared aspirations for the iwi and community.

Luana Morgan

Senior Finance Officer

Waikato

Born and raised in Whakatāne, Luana joined the NAGHL Team in 2023. Luana’s previous roles included Senior Finance Administrator at Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa, where she held that role for 15 years.  Prior to that, Luana was a Financial Analyst at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.